Impact of changes in pruning practices on vine growth and yield

The Fresh Mushroom Off-Flavor (FMOff) is a concerning undesirable aroma in wine specific of certain vintages, characterized by a typical button mushroom aroma. The appearance of this off-flavor is linked to the presence of certain fungus on the grape [1-3].

The undergoing global warming scenario is affecting grapevines phenology, including the timing of berry ripening and harvest date, negatively impacting production and quality. This work reports the crucial role of NAC61, a grapevine NAC transcription factor, in regulating metabolic processes occurring from the onset of ripening onwards. NAC61 high confidence targets mainly represent genes acting on stilbene biosynthesis and regulation, and in osmotic and oxidative/biotic stress-related responses. The direct regulation of the stilbene synthase regulator MYB14, the osmotic stress-related gene DHN1b, and the Botrytis cinerea susceptibility gene WRKY52, were all further validated.

Valbelluna valley is an area located in the northeastern Italy. It is extended from the East-West between Feltre and Belluno, along the Piave waterway and enclosed between Cansiglio valley on the South and the Dolomites in the North. Here, the villages of Limana and Trichiana are present, which are considered for decades potentially interesting areas to aim a niche production with own particular properties.The position of this area, its sun exposition, its soil composition and the microclimate, are ideal factors to obtain vines and consequently wines with unique features especially regarding the diversity and complexity aroma.

The wine industry works to minimize pesticides and adapt to climate change. Breeding programs have developed disease-resistant grape varieties, particularly against downy and powdery mildew, to minimize pesticide applications [1]. However, their enological potential remains underexplored.

Over the last decades, climate change and rising temperatures have impacted the wine industry. Wines from warm regions tend to have a higher pH and lower total acidity.